1st Ilkley Science Festival

Ilkley has just had it's first ever science fair and Westwood Lodge guests were among the first audiences. A group of leading scientists from Leeds University gave various lectures at Ilkley Grammar School in a bid to help boost funds for a student trip to Ecuador. Headteacher Gillian James officially opened the talks, which were held over two days. They covered a wide range of science topics such as Marion Hetherinton’s talk on chocolate addiction. Prof Hetherington described how we learn to like bitter foods including vegetables. She encouraged parents to keep giving their children vegetables because they need to eat them at least ten times before they develop a taste for them! Another speaker, Catriona Morrison, a world expert in memory, made the audience recall their earliest memory and suggested that our earliest memories date from when we first have the words to describe an event. All in all - a great weekend and we hope the event will become an annual one.

Christmas Lights Switched on 21st November

Amazingly, it's that time of year again! The Ilkley lights get switched on Saturday 21st November at 5pm. The Parish Council have invested in some new lights and a huge tree has already been erected at the end of The Grove ready for the big switch on!

Swine Flu Latest

We have today (29th July 2009) been informed that our recommended cancellation insurers will NOT apply the normal exclusion clause relating to Pandemics. Therefore, guests who take out a UK Plus Holiday Cancellation Insurance policy will find it COVERS SWINE FLU AS PER ANY OTHER MEDICAL RISK in accordance with the normal Policy Terms and Conditions. This will come as a great relief to many planning holidays. If you do NOT take out our recommended cancellation insurance or have alternative cover, do check and consider what would happen if you had to cancel your stay due to a member of your party being taken ill with Swine Flu. We will apply our Standard Booking Conditions to any such cancellation. In short, we cannot afford to have empty accommodation and, if you do not have suitable cover, you may find yourself having to pay for a holiday you are unable to take. Yorkshire currently has a much lower than average incidence of the illness but this situation may change as the summer progresses.

Bradford becomes world's first "City of Film"

Bradford may not be top of your "must do" places to visit this year, but it has a lot going for it. There's The UK National Media Museum, The Alhambra and the best curry in the North, for starters! Now there's another reason as Bradford has been chosen to become the world's first-ever city of film. Awarded by the United Nations, the city is being recognised for films made in the city, the dedicated media museum and several film festivals held each year. Billy Liar and part of Monty Python's The Meaning of Life were made in Bradford and The Railway Children was filmed on the nearby Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Bollywood stars often visit the city and Simon Beaufoy, the screenwriter for the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, said the accolade was "superb news" for his hometown. "Not only has Bradford played a crucial role in the story of cinema and helped shape its history, it has inspirational plans to enhance its future relationship with film, which will benefit both the local community and the industry at large." Bradford is just 25 minutes by rail from Ilkley with trains every half-hour throughout the day.

New Article on Visiting Ilkley!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1191398/UK-holidays-Yorkshire-wonders-Charles-Darwin-Fat-Rascals-poetry-motion-lovely-Ilkley.html

Enjoy England Gold Awards

We are delighted our three courtyard cottages have each been awarded the first self-catering Gold Awards for high standards and service excellence. Gold Awards are only given to those properties in the Four Star category scoring a minimum of 84 out of 86 in the annual inspection by Enjoy England (the old English Tourism Council) and unable to be rated as Five Star due to not being able to meet certain requirements (in our case being Listed Historic Buildings and having restricted bedroom space).

This means that all 7 properties at Westwood Lodge have either been rated as Five Stars or Four Stars GOLD.

Charles Darwin in Ilkley!

It's 200 years since Charles Darwin was born. He became world famous for his book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection" published exactly 150 years ago. What is less well known is that Darwin came to Ilkley just before his work was published. He arrived on 4th October 1859 to take the "water cure" at the Wells House Hydro - just 200 yards down the road from Westwood Lodge. He was joined by his wife and family and they enjoyed Ilkley so much that they took an apartment here at North House (now known as Hillside). Darwin received his review copy prior to publication, was here when his book was officially published (24th November) and where he started revisions for the second edition of his great work. Visitors to Westwood Lodge can still see both Wells House and North House as well as stroll around the Darwin Millenium Gardens and maze, just a couple of minutes walk from Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor.

We've got Puppies!

There's been great excitement here! Pudding has given birth to a litter of 5 English Springer Pups. If you come to stay before early April (2009), you're sure to meet them - Bread and Butter Pudding, Rice Pudding, Chocolate Pudding, Summer Pudding and Sticky Toffee Pudding! They've all been snapped up and will soon be going to their new homes. However, it's been great fun and a huge hit with children of all ages! Well done Pudding (and Eric who had something to do with it...!)

Winter Wonderland!

We've had some great snow here (February 2009). Here's a couple of pictures to give you a taste! Rest assured, we've never been snowed in here. The road to us is kept clear for the shuttle bus to operate. So don't be put off coming to stay, will you?

Christmas Lights 2008

The Christmas lights are going up! The big switch on will be at 5pm on Saturday 29th November. Procession starts at about 4.45pm from the Health Centre.

Recent comments from guests staying in Westwood Lodge Cottages

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The old Gallery has been perfect and the cake was lovely" (Clarke and Woodall families, Cheshire) "The Old Gallery had everything we needed and we would have liked to stay a little longer. The girls liked the garden and pgs. Thank you for the welcome tray and cake" (Hughes family, Nottinghamshire) "A superweek. Very comfortable stay. Downstairs bedroom a massive bonus for mum-in-law. Wonderful accommodation to explore super surroundings. A big thank you for us as we return to the noise of London. We will be back!" (McKay family, Ealing) "We will certainly recommend Westwood Lodge to our friends" (Dickinson family. Newark) "Words are not enough to convey how very welcome we have felt here. We have been so cosy and comfortable in this luxury home from home. THANK YOU!" (Frances and Tom Brophy, Stockport) "Lovely week, good weather, beautiful area. Very comfortable accommodation" (The Haynes Party, Northampton) "An absolutely fantastic weekend. Had an absolutely lovely time. Made to feel very welcome. Fantastic location and facilities. Loved the animals, cakes and wine - extra special touches. We would recommend Westwood Lodge to anyone!" (Ruth's hen weekend - Newcastle, Belfast, Glasgow, London,Sheffield and Dundee)

Cherie Blair to Open Ilkley Literature Festival 2008

Former First Lady Cherie Blair is to be the opening speaker at The 2008 Ilkley Literature Festval. Other key note speakers will include the last Governor of Hong Kong - Chris Patten, poet Ian Macmillan and broadcaster Kate Adie. The festival runs from Friday 3rd October until 19th of the month. Westwood Lodge has availability for most dates and we advise early booking. Tickets for the Festival go on sale on 26th August. Popular names sell out very quickly! By joining the Friends of the Festivval you get priority bookings.

We've now got Piglets!

Matilda and Wilber (Tilly and Willy) are our two new pet piglets. They are already a huge hit with guests and better behaved than Pudding the dog (or Tim for that matter...)

Where to Visit, Eat and Drink - Your latest views...

Some favourable reports... The National Railway Museum at York Ilkley Moor Vaults - "Great food and they take dogs too" The Box Tree - "For obvious reasons" Betty's - "Excellent as ever. Good food and lovely atmosphere" The train service into Leeds - "Excellent" The wonderful views from the apartments Bolton Abbey - "Beautiful surroundings" Ingleton - "waterfall walk, caves and great fish and chips" The Wells Bistro - "Good food" Monkman's - "Excellent Early Bird menu"

Where to Visit, Eat and Drink - More views...

Betty's - "The quality is good. We went 5 times!" The train service - "Excellent" Wells Bistro - "Good Food" RHS Harlow Carr - "If you like gardens and gardening" Grassington The Craven Heiffer at Addingham - "Excellent range of food - especially fish and friendly atmosphere" The Fleece at Addingham - "Excellent food" and maybe not so good at the moment... Monkman's - "Overpriced and mediocre" but another guest reports "Excellent. Good food and early bird menu well priced" Haworth - "Crowds for Sunday Wartime event. Went Tuesday and it was brilliant - specially The Parsonage."

Summer Festivals 2008

These are just a few local events not to be missed this summer! Broughton Game Show - Sunday 29th June at Broughton Hall www.broughtongameshow.co.uk The Great Yorkshire Show - Tuesday 8th - Thursday 10th July at Harrogate. www.greatyorkshire.co.uk Ilkley Summer Festival - 1st to 30th August www.ilkleysummerfestival.com Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival - 9th to 17th August Burnsall Feast Sports - 23rd August www.burnsallsports.co.uk Malham Show - 23rd August - www.malhamdale.com Kinsey Show - 26th August - www.kilnseyshow.co.uk Harrogate Autumn Flower Show - 12th to 14th September - www.flowershow.org.uk Ilkley Literature Festival - 3rd to 19th October - www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

Restaurant Review - Ilkley Piccolino

Now I was a bit sad when Johnson's closed earlier in the year. OK! So, I had never been in the place but, somehow it seemed to fit in with Ilkley life reasonably well. I had never even heard of the Piccolino chain, but they appear to have a dozen odd places across the North of England, so must be a biggish operation. Certainly, the money that has been spent ripping and fitting out 31/33 Brook Street suggests a lavish budget. This place is more upmarket than I had expected. It's not like Pizza Express; more an Italian Farsyde. The decor is great - modern without being crass. If you're downstairs, it's a bit of a goldfish bowl as the full length windows mean it's not the place to be carrying on an illicit affair. Better book upstairs - especially the table in the bay window, where you can watch the comings and goings of Ilkley life rather than be watched. If you want to be seen, any of the downstairs tables facing into the street should do the trick. There were lots of staff when we visited and things have yet to settle down. Despite booking and wishing to dine straightaway with young children, we were ushered to the bar area for pre-dinner drinks as our table wasn't ready. We were then asked for our "tab card" which we had never heard of. You need one of these when you arrive (apparantly). It all seemed a bit of a waste of time for, even before our drinks had arrived, we were ushered off to our table and our plastic credit-type tab card was collected back in, to be replaced by an identical looking "cloakroom card". I did ask if we needed another card to enable us to eat and was dryly told that a Mastercard would be needed for that! The manager looked quite stressed by all this, even though the place was three-quarters empty at 5.30pm. The service was not as good as it should have been, given the large numbers of staff. It's also that kind of place where even a Yorkshire waiter insists on calling you Senor. Cringe cringe! Having spent ages going through the menu trying to find something for our 7 and 9 year olds, it was annoying to find halfway through ordering that there is a separate children's menu, which was not offered at the outset. So, we then had to start again! The food for adults is excellent - interesting pasta dishes, very fresh tasting and good salads. Beware that portions are adequate, rather than generous. We didn't have time for desserts but they too looked good. Young children may well struggle, especially if they are used to Pizza Express or La Sila, both of which are much more children orientated. No, this place is going to be serious competition for a number of other places in town. It's ideal for small adult groups rather than couples, as the atmosphere is very open rather than intimate. All in all, recommended. Decor 10/10, Atmosphere 9/10, Food 9/10, Value 7/10.

Where to Eat and Drink in Ilkley and Wharfedale - your latest views

The Yorkshire Deli (it's new) - "accommodated our large group very well" said Joyce Anderson from Liverpool Smoooth - "does very good coffee and smoothies" The Wells and Farsyde - "Both excellent" says Marjorie McCellan from Oxfordshire Bistro Saigon - "Good option of veggi food, well cooked and good service" reports James Page from Dundee Ilkley Moor Vaults (The Taps) "Very good food" says Frank Carroll from Washington The Box Tree - "Expensive but very good" reports Edwina Fitzmaurice from Lytham St Annes The Fleece at Addingham - "Very good value, friendly and efficient" says Mary Lazarus from St Albans The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway - must go Farsyde "Good, but they overcomplicate the menu and mix too many flavours" suggests Tim Williams from Sevenoaks Hesketh Animal Farm - "Very hands on and well organised. Good value for money although food is expensive" Kirsten Groth from Hampshire. and perhaps not so good... The Dalesway Beer Garden "A dogs toilet with added smell of chip fat" said a guest from Liverpool. The Midland - "Dingy. Beer not good" reported a guest from Dundee.

Cafe Review - Smoooth

I'll be frank and say that when I heard that a smoothie bar was to open on Wells Road, I had big doubts. When the opening got delayed by several months, failed to get a hot food licence, announced that they didn't want to appeal just to school children and then struggled to find staff (they even approached me, so they must have been desperate!), my expectations were low. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when I tried it out last week, having had favourable comments from my children who had already been several times in the opening few days. The place is bigger than I expected, going right back into a lounge room at the rear. The decor is clean and fresh and not nearly as cheap and cheerful as I feared. The menu is very extensive when you consider it revolves around a few drinks, sandwiches and salads. For example, there are a dozen different smoothies to try with exotic ingredients such as acai and passion fruit. And here lies the problem. At peak periods they just can't cope with the menu. I called in on a Saturday afternoon and, whilst not over full, you could immediately sense from the absence of drinks and food on the tables that service was struggling. I had to wait nearly forty minutes for a basic panini (the only hot food). Others had clearly got fed-up and left. A waitress was wandering around with a tray of items and I had to point out that the people had gone at least fifteen minutes before it arrived. The preparation area is on full display and staff were trying to identify - without success - whether table 14 had ordered a Tropical Storm or a Brazilian Boost. The quality of the food and drinks is general very good. The smoothies are not cheap but interesting and tasty. The cakes - especially the organic carrot cake - were good, the panini (goats cheese and roasted vegetables) ok but served with a very tired salad garnish. Some things are over the top. You can't just have a pot of tea, you have to have a wooden board boasting a "tea temple with a fine glass teapot". All very well but glass is not good for keeping the tea hot and it was half cold by the time it arrived. There was more commotion when it was time to pay. A long wait whilst staff were trying to work out more orders and then no change in the til, meaning that the tip box had to be raided for coins. I hope Smoooth succeeds. A lot of preparation has gone into the place and - with the multi-nationals like Pizza Express creeping in, Ilkley needs small, individual places to open up like this. They must get the service sorted out and need to consider opening on Sundays. They also promote their website, but that doesn't exist yet either. Do go when it's quiet; avoid on a Saturday, or if you've got a train to catch. 14-16 Wells Road (01943) 600064. Take-away also available. Quality 9/10, Atmosphere 9/10, Service 2/10, Value 7/10, Wow factor 8/10. STOP PRESS - December 2010 - we hear that Smoooth has now closed. Very sad.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Masterclass Conference Ilkley

Despite what it may say on their website, please note that we are completely full for the weekend of this big event being held locally between October 12th-15th. If you're looking for accommodation for the EFT Masterclass Conference go to: www.eftmasters.co.uk/masterclass/accommodation.htm

Ilkley Triathlon - 23rd September 2007

This has become a bit of an annual habit for a whole group of us in Wharfedale. The image of a triathlon always conjured up for me a picture of sinewy, anorexic-looking men and women sweating their way up and down mountains for hours on end, without an ounce of enjoyment to show for their endeavours. Well, I never thought I would join them! The Ilkley Triathlon is organised by Leeds and Bradford Triathlon Club and is a "sprint" (ie shorter) event. It's still 20 lengths of the pool, immediately followed by a 15km hilly cycle ride (with fresh air and great views!) and finishing off with a 5km hilly run. Hard work unless you're pretty fit, but a more helpful and encouraging group of people organising it, you couldn't hope to meet! Because everyone sets off at different times, and the course is in laps, nobody has any idea - or cares - how well you're doing. Indeed, there are quiet stretches where you could stop running or even push your bike uphill without anyone spotting you, if things are tough - even though 300 odd people do the event. Above all, there's this marvellous buzz as you cross the finishing line with that feeling of achievement! If you're thinking of getting a bit fitter this winter and want to have something to aim for then this could be it. Highly recommended!

Ilkley Literature Festival in Wharfedale Accommodation

If you're coming to the Ilkley Literature Festival, we've still got some availability for key dates. If the big hotels are too impersonal and if a bed and breakfast (B&B) won't hit the spot, how about a FIVE STAR apartment or cottage? We've got availability for the weekend of 28th September as well as 4 nights for the price of 3 midweek, arriving 1st or 8th October. There are still some great tickets to be had for events at the Festival so book soon!

Great Weather arrives in Wharfedale (at last!)

After what has really been a miserable summer, it's great to look out on day after day of beautiful weather at the moment. Why is it that it's only when the schools have gone back that the sun comes out? Anyway, the sheep are outside at the gate, the sky is totally blue and Pudding needs taking for a walk. Must dash!

New Website Goes Live!

Our new website has gone live! Loads of new stuff... Much better layout!www.westwoodlodge.co.uk